Miniature Landscape Plants

You can grow miniature plants both indoors and out.

Whether you are creating a rock garden, fairy garden or just have limited space, miniature landscape plants provide all the amenities of their larger counterparts in a compact version. Plants of any type are available in smaller sizes including trees, shrubs and perennials. When choosing miniature landscape plants, keep in mind your location, the plants' growing requirements and recommended spacing.

Trees

When it comes to miniature trees, bonsais -- such as dwarf maples -- are generally what come to mind. However, you should consider several other species of lesser-known miniature trees for your landscape. The dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) produces fan-shaped leaves and grows to about 48 to 72 inches in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 11. The dwarf palmetto thrives in full sun as long as it has some shade during midday. Growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8, the gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa "Salvin's Dwarf") only grows to about 36 inches tall. This tolerant tree grows in all soil types with good drainage and produces small white blooms that attract wildlife. The hardy gray dogwood is generally pest-free and can be used for erosion control.

Shrubs

Several cultivars of rhododendrons -- including Rosebud, Pink Pancake and Aida -- reach heights of less than 1 foot and grow in USDA zones 5 through 8. Rhododendrons grow best in partial sun to partial shade, and produce showy blooms in various colors during the spring and summer. For best results, plant rhododendrons in acidic soil. Rock rose (Cistus salviifolius "Prostratus") is a miniature shrub that grows in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10 and reaches heights of no more than 12 inches. This fast-growing plant produces delicate white blooms with a yellow center in late spring. Rock rose grows best in full sun in any soil type. The Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica "Morris Midget") is a miniature shrub that also doubles as a ground cover. This hardy plant can withstand various soil conditions and types, and grows between 12 and 24 inches in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 10.

Perennials

Available in a wide array of species, several types of perennials grow to less than a foot and help create a hassle-free landscape. Hosta is an adaptable perennial that grows in most soil conditions and is grown for its impressive foliage. Several species of hosta are available that grow less than 12 inches. Gold Cadet, Lemon Lime, Saishu Jinea and Undulate are just a few miniature hostas that grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. Several cultivars of irises -- including Candy Apple, Dark Vader and Betsy Boo -- grow to heights between 6 and 12 inches in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10. Irises are a sun-loving perennial that grow from a bulb and produce large, showy blooms that attract birds and butterflies. Irises grow in most soil types as long as the soil is well-drained.

Mosses

Moss is a low-growing plant that thrives where other plants cannot and creates a dramatic and textured addition to your landscape. Several species of moss are available. Irish moss (Chondrus crispus), phlox moss (Phlox subulata) and Scotch moss (Sagina subulata) are commonly used in gardens and grow in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Most mosses are hardy growing in full sun to partial shade in dry or moist locations and reach heights of less than 6 inches.